For many years, green cards have been handed out at Sør Cup. It is our way of rewarding good behavior and fair play.
In Sør Cup, all referees in the 10-19 age groups are equipped with green cards. In contrast to the yellow and red cards, which are given for, among other things, tough tackles, hands or unsportsmanlike behavior, the green cards are handed out to players, managers or teams that show particularly good behavior and fair play.
– This is something Sør Cup has been working on for many years, but unfortunately it is no less relevant. We see that foul language and discrimination are a challenge in children’s and youth football. We want to fight against this, and we believe that rewarding good behavior is a great way to do so,” says tournament manager Ole Gerhard Sørensen.
Previously, coaches have been given the task of handing out green cards in children’s football, while referees have done so in youth football.
This year we have chosen to start with the green cards in the 10-year-old class, and give the responsibility to the judges in all classes up to 19 years.
– In our experience, coaches in the younger age groups have a lot to keep track of, so assessing which of the opposing teams deserved green cards was not always easy. That’s why we’ve decided to leave this to the referees. It’s also nice for the referees to be able to reward good behavior, and we think it has a greater effect,” says Sørensen.
– We are fortunate to have a dedicated refereeing team, with many referees coming from far and wide to referee in the South Cup year after year. We want to take care of them. That’s why we clamp down on harassment and discriminatory language towards referees, but also towards opponents or spectators. But it’s also great to be able to give positive recognition to players, managers and teams who set a good example,” says Sørensen.
Anyone who receives a green card will be able to get a diploma by contacting the information desk at the arena where they play.